Toots

1 hour ago, Rallyman said:

Did you build your own place in Tasmania Toots ? 
 

No we didn't @Rallyman.  Our house is as old as us.    We built our house in Perth and renovated our house in Sydney so we just wanted an older house in an old area of town.  It's a quiet area very close to the beach and the river.  My husband had had enough of building.

37 minutes ago, can1983 said:

i went to bendigo recently, lovely place just too damn hot

I like Bendigo too but same as all inland places in Australia it's   ............. too hot (for me) in the summer and a lot colder in the winter.

8 hours ago, Sea breeze said:

This is a bit of an outpouring 

We my husband and I are thinking seriously about moving back to Oz the end of the year. we have been back in the uk 10 years 

we have moved around a bit and currently live in lovely Cornwall. We both get decent pay I have a small business that’s doing well with lovely clients. This took a good few years to get to this stage. I’m concerned that we will be “ back to square one” and will have to work harder and longer 

we want to keep our house here and rent it out ( no pensions in uk) so we have to save up to head back. We are mid 40s now and I think it’s just hit me that it maybe a bit late to start again? 
we do like living here but the weather is a massive downfall and our leisure time is constantly compromised 

Is this enough reason to move back? 
We never gave it a proper go before, lived in share houses didn’t choose where just worked travelled then OH went up the mines 

I feel we might regret it if we don’t give it another go ! 
thank s 
 

This is just my opinion but no, it is not enough reason to move back.  It's up to you of course.  You have your citizenship and if you feel you absolutely need to come to Australia just get on with it.  You will probably receive all sorts of opinions on this forum.  Just gave you mine.  

16 hours ago, calNgary said:

I will be honest with you both my children have gone through the public school system here in Brisbane and i cant complain. Schooling here is pretty different (my son did 3 years uk schooling before we moved here) and did take some adjusting too, i found it to be a bit more relaxed and my academic child finished YR 12 with fab scores, even my non acedmic child completed and passed YR12. Being able to start his school based apprentiship in YR10 was briliiant and suited hime well. 

 There is a private school not very far from us and the amount of families i see pulling their kids out and moving to other schools is pretty darn high. The main reasoning being as said by   parents( friends /aquanticies of mine) or what i have read on local community pages,is the school cares more about the uniform and if you are not accedmic they write you off''..

 As for the dark cloud, i guess its a glass half full, glass half empty scenrio .

          Cal x

Both our sons went through their school years in the public school system.  Same as your two - went to year 12 no problem - both enjoyed school.  That was well over 20 years ago when we didn't seem to hear so much about teachers leaving the profession.  That seems to be problematic in many other countries too.

1 hour ago, BendigoBoy said:

From some of those newspaper reports, teaching would be animals every day, @Toots...

Animals are never as obnoxious as some people can be. 

12 minutes ago, BendigoBoy said:

I'm honestly surprised that there hasn't been an even larger exodus of STEM teachers into private industry.

I'm hugely respectful and full of admiration for those who feel a true vocational calling to teach.  I think there's a massive chasm between teaching and stressed-out crowd control bogged down with bureaucracy.

If you can pick up better money, longer lunch breaks, and holidays whenever you want to take them versus some of the horror stories we see about what goes on in schools, not to mention being well treated and respected by colleagues and clients, then I really have to question whether some people have a misguided sense of loyalty in staying in such toxic and unhealthy environments that don't facilitate them doing what they trained to to begin with.

I've always had the greatest admiration for teachers and nurses.  Those are two professions I just couldn't have chosen.  Dealing with students and people day in day out.  Give me animals any day. 

11 hours ago, Simontucks said:

Do you think it's got better since 2010 .....so much worse.where you had rare cases of metal detectors in the inner cities in 2010 its not surprising to find schools with them anymore. Assaults on teachers are through the roof, excluding children from lessons and sometimes school because they are a little less smart than other children is common place in our area. 

We will have to disagree on schools as having two children 16+12,one still in education,I see every week horror stories regarding teaching in this area.

It is reported on the news here that all is not going so well in Australian schools either.  This is from the Australian Financial Review.  There are many teachers leaving the profession as they are finding it hard to cope.

The classrooms of Australian 15-year-olds are among the most disruptive and disorderly in the world; ranking at 69 out of 76 school systems.

The same data shows that two in five students say their classmates don’t listen to what their teacher says, and almost half say there is noise and disorder in most or all lessons.

The toll on staff is also clear. About one in four teachers find maintaining classroom discipline is difficult, and that intimidation and bullying are common in about one in three schools.

1 hour ago, InnerVoice said:

I'm guessing you were living in Sydney long before I arrived. I have very similarly fond memories of my early years in Brisbane, but I think it's going the same way as Sydney and Melbourne. The appearance of those monstrous cube homes that fill the entire block are usually a clear sign of the changing demographic!

I don't know when you arrived but we first landed in Sydney in 1981.  We were there for about 18 months then went to Perth.  Our sons were born in Perth.  We left Perth at the start of 1987 to return to Sydney until we retired 10 years ago when we then came to Tasmania.  

2 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

I loved surfing, drinking, and the hot weather (and still do, to a lesser extent), but after spending a year in Sydney when I first moved to Australia, I came to the same conclusion about Sydneysiders. I found them incredibly self-centred, superficial, and obsessed with material wealth. I left because I didn't like the people and had no desire to be part of their rat race, but I still think it's a beautiful city and a great place to visit for a few days. I'm sure Sydney's in no way unique in that respect, and you'll find the same mentality in any of the world's major commercial centres where people's main objective is to get rich and flaunt it.

We lived in Sydney for well over 20 years.  We made some very good friends over that time.  Not everybody is money obsessed and living in the eastern suburbs/north shore.  There are tens of thousands of down to earth people in Sydney.  Last week we were up there visiting friends and drove down our old street.  When we lived there, many of the houses were weatherboard with bullnose verandahs and we knew all our neighbours.  In fact we had the same neighbours for most of the years we lived there.  Sadly most of the weatherboards have gone to be replaced by huge monstrosities or the blocks have been subdivided and where one house once stood there are now two or even three.  So happy to be away from it all.

2 hours ago, Jennyrose Shields said:

Hi we came for my husbands work transfer for 2 yrs . 
now 20 yrs later kids all grown got grandchildren . But after 20 yr Yes I am still incredibly home sick . Most of my family have died in the Uk now But friends yes of 40 yrs . Been home a few times and just been with fellow poms who get my since of humour who love the English weather and just fit into this country . 
Australia is an amazing country but not home . 
In hindsight I should have taken the kids and left at the end of the first week here . 
kids all settled with kids if there own but can always fly over for visits . 

so do what your heart tells you Inly you know where heart belongs. Life is short enjoy it 
 

If you're still homesick after 20 years here, I'd say go back to the UK.  I think you will be far happier.  Start to make plans now even if it takes a couple of years or so.

1 hour ago, Jennyrose Shields said:

Hi we Bought our home in George Town North Tasmania 3 yrs ago using our SMSF . 
We are moving into our home next year . Currently got great tenants and money goes back into the pension. 
Tasmania is quiet . Unspoilt great Air quality and fresh food amazing . 
BUT you must change your mind set . 
Everything is imported from the mainland . This costs money accept it . 
Tasmania had great hospitals University’s and very friendly people . 
Join in church ( once a month service but great for socialising). Find a pub that for quiz nights dart companions . Learn to relax is the biggest  thing to do . 
And explore Tasmania it’s stunning . 
Why George Town 

New  Hospital 

New mother and baby social group 

Sustainability group 

Great schools and universities 

Beach one end and nature the other . 
plenty of interests to try . 
Little penguins to watch at dusk paddle down the beach . 

great variety of fresh meat veg cheese and wine . Buy a larger fridge freezer 

Accept people socialise in their own homes and amazing friendships made . 
 

Great markets and lifestyle. 

Negatives 

You need to book workman 6 mths in advance . 
Transport on the boat all your furniture . We will upgrade out fridge for a larger fridge freezer . 
 

No ALDI

Family and friends visit all the time . And many follow you for the life style change . 

 

 

Yes we could do with a lot more good tradesmen here.  There is a young tradie living opposite us and he is run off his feet - so much work not enough tradies.

Four couples who are good friends we've known for a couple of decades (in Sydney) have moved to Tassie since we moved here 10 years ago.

I also much prefer the climate here.  No weather extremes - never too hot or too cold especially on the coast.

10 minutes ago, Ausvisitor said:

Newcastle isn't a bad place but saying people prefer it to Sydney is a bit like the fox who lost his tail.

Those who say it's better are basically trying to convince themselves

I know of no one who (if they could afford the same house in both places) prefers Newcastle to Sydney, what people mean to say when they say they prefer Newcastle is that they can afford Newcastle and in Sydney they can only afford a shoebox 

Yes but a lot of people would also be thankful to get away from the rat race, crowds and godawful traffic.

1 hour ago, Cheery Thistle said:

So, flights are booked and have been for ages, fly in to Sydney 25th Feb and back again 16th March via Doha. Starting in Sydney and driving up to Brisbane/Sunny Coast.

Rough itinerary: 

25th Feb - 2nd March - Sydney. Have booked Coogee as we prefer it more chilled and want to recover from jet lag etc. Plan on doing Taronga, the bridge climb and just chilling and recovering from travel. Also allows a day or 2 to catch up with hubby’s cousins. 
2nd March - 5th March - Newcastle. Want to rule this in or out as a potential destination for living in. Feel it’s an itch we need to scratch! 
5th - 6th March - Byron? Need To break up the journey to Brisbane. 
6 - 11th March - Brisbane 

12th - 15th March Sunny Coast (Caloundra?)

15th - internal flight back to Sydney, stay in city centre for last night before flying back on 16th. 
 

Sydney is not on the list of possible places to settle but we’ve never been before and conscious that we will be jet lagged so need to chill a bit before the driving. 
 

Any glaring disasters in there or anything we have really missed? Not staying in GC but will likely day trip it to one of the theme parks whilst in Brisbane. 

 

If you have the time and the energy, a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is a nice trip on a sunny day.  When you get off the ferry walk up the Corso then turn right past the Surf Club and take the walk to Shelly Beach.  It's a pretty walk and there's a place at the end practically right on the beach where you can relax with a glass of wine.

Forgot to say    .................  this is in Sydney.

What a shame.  Back in the day Sauchiehall Street was really quite classy - good quality shops and lovely places to eat.  I always enjoyed visits to Glasgow but for sure some places were really rough but the city had some real characters.  I know an elderly woman who has lived here for over 60 years and she has never lost the Glasgow accent.  I find myself reverting to my schoolgirl dialect whenever we talk together.  Ye ken, nicht, richt etc etc.   

1 hour ago, Marisawright said:

Specsavers is good if you just need basic glasses.  Just wait for their special offers and you can get great deals.  I got two-for-the-price-of-one reading glasses there last year, and that was fully covered by my health insurance.  However if you need something more complicated, the price shoots up.

I needed new multifocals and I waited until they had a "multifocals for $199" offer. All seemed well until I sat down with the 'consultant' to complete the order.  She told me the special offer lenses were very basic and wouldn't be suitable for me as I'd be annoyed by the blur (???).   I would need the next level lenses, plus a few other 'essential' features.   She did the sums and hey presto, my $199 glasses were suddenly $850.  I walked out.

Crikey!

Thank goodness my eyesight was very good until a couple of years ago.  For the time being, I just use a pair of those specs you can get in the chemist and they are fine for me.  They cost $30.  I've no doubt I'll need "proper" specs at some time but so far so good.

There are over 4,000 people on the waiting list for a council house here in Tasmania.

A new facility for homeless men recently opened at the top of our street. https://www.amhf.org.au/a_look_inside_the_new_men_s_shelter_in_north_west_tasmania

There are also 2 houses in our street for homeless women and their children.  These are temporary accommodations.  There are also plans for more council houses around the town.

On 29/12/2023 at 01:12, Cheery Thistle said:

Good God will it ever stop. 
In Scotland and feels like it has been raining since October without halt!! 

My sister (from Edinburgh) is happy to be away from the horrible weather.  She's here until the end of March.

We had a very nice time over the Christmas period.  The weather was lovely.  Back home for the New Year.  Sons and partners arriving today.  

1 hour ago, Quoll said:

I keep thinking of going business class but my miserly attitude won't let me. I reckon you can put up with anything for 24 hours and business class doesn't get you there any faster so I stick with sardines. My son arrived yesterday and door to door was 39 hours 52 minutes - getting to the airport, going via San Francisco then bus down to Canberra. 

He must be knackered poor bloke.

3 hours ago, Nemesis said:

I did it by train once, should've been 4 changes and 7 hours but the Welsh railways lived up to their reputation and after we crossed the border things fell apart; 3 extra changes and because my assistance booking was only for the advertised changes, I had to beg other passengers to help me over the bridge, up steps etc with luggage. Ended up 11 hours, and more knackered than the coach trip!! Plus then a 35 quid taxi fare from the town out to the farm!!

Sounds pretty similar to what I've had to put up with on sojourns up to Scotland.  The last time I got the train there was trackwork going on so had to change trains and platforms a couple of times and as you say going up steps and  over the bridge with a suitcase etc is a right pain.  The trains were packed to the gunnels too.  Standing room only for some people.  Oh the joy!!  

1 hour ago, Nemesis said:

I regularly go up to see my mum in deepest Wales. Has to be National Express coach and it takes 14 hours. I'd rather do the flight to Oz anytime! At least you can walk around, have a drink and a meal etc!!

14 hours on a bus!  My Mum lived off the beater track in Scotland but at least I could get a train to the nearest station then a hire car to her house or if really pushed I could get a bus from the station.  She was about an hour from the station.

8 hours ago, proud preston said:

@Jon the Hat I think jumping in the sea or kayak on the river sounds good. I’m not sure when I’ll next get back to England as I found the flight this year bloody awful. Perfectly good flight but I’m just so exhausted during the flight and a week after. It’s horrible- as as know. Plus…..so expensive 

Unless you can afford business or first class the flight is usually pretty horrible.  Sitting on a bus or a train is far more comfortable than that flight.  I also hate airports probably because I hate crowds.  I know it's only 24 hours but even the thought of it gives me the heebie jeebies.  I'm not a great traveller anymore as you can tell.  

18 hours ago, ramot said:

Could have been late November or  dec 2010, can’t remember if it snowed at Christmas.

I have memories of very bad snow I think 1962/3? We got totally stuck halfway up Kingston Hill in the car

We were isolated for a while during that bad winter - couldn't get to school and the army had to help getting feed to the livestock.  It seemed to last for weeks.  Sheep had to be dug out of drifts.

Winter 1962/63

3 minutes ago, ramot said:

 

Was that that at Christmas?

I can remember a handful of white Christmases when I was a young child but none for years after except for the Christmas I worked in Norfolk in 1970.  We had deep snow then for a few days.  One Hogmany back in my home town we were all out in the street wishing everyone a Happy New Year and the snow was falling in huge flakes.  It was a lovely atmosphere.  I think that was 1975.  A long time ago but always remember how nice it was.

1 minute ago, Quoll said:

I hear you! The saving factor for Christmas for me is my youngest granddaughter. She loves Christmas and I have steadfastly clung to my British Christmas roots so that she knows (and tells me she loves) our family Christmases. With the maturity of becoming a teenager she has really thrown herself into this Christmas especially  - she's been really enthusiastic about finding just the right gift for her dad, sister and pup. Her mother doesn't celebrate Christmas at all because it's her birthday on NY Eve and in her mind that's more important than Christmas! I guess what I'm saying is that I'm leeching on her excitement and enthusiasm and feeling more Christmassy than I have in a long time. It'll also be good because this will be the first Christmas in 10 years that we can share it with my UK son who should be on his way in a few hours (bugger about all the pre Christmas visit housework that needs to get done now though!)

Awww, your granddaughter sounds like a lovely lass.

Enjoy Christmas with your family and especially good to have your UK son with you too.